Pet Fracture Repair
Fractures are one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs and cats. Repairing them, however, is not always as simple as placing a cast on the affected limb. Since our pets can’t be expected to stay off the limb entirely for a number of weeks, we need to perform more permanent and effective repairs. This often means surgically repairing the fracture using different types of implants for stability. Dr. Dan Pontius has advanced training in fracture repairs involving techniques such as bone plating, intramedullary pins, pin and tension bands, and external fixators.
Pet Fracture Repair in Toledo, OH
FRACTURE REPAIR OPTIONS
Many factors enter into the decision on how to repair many fractures. The location on the bone, the bones involved, and the age of the animal will all be considered in the decision of which way the surgeon repairs/corrects the fracture.
A variety of methods are available to treat most fractures in pets and they include bone plates, rods, interlocking nails, and external fixators.
- “Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
- “Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
- “External fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.
REFERRAL SURGICAL SERVICES
Have you been referred to us for a fracture repair? Please bring the following at the time of your consultation:
- Any recent radiographs or blood work from your family veterinarian
- Any current medications your pet is taking
- A completed referral form